IT IS NOT too late to be vaccinated against the flu virus. It takes two weeks for the vaccine to produce the immune response needed to protect against the infection.
This year's vaccine contains three different strains of influenza. One of these is a Brisbane strain of influenza A, which has been responsible for most of the cases of flu in Ireland so far this season.
The vaccine is available free of charge to medical card and GP visit card patients in certain risk groups; private patients will be charged a consultation fee, although the vaccine itself may be free.
The vaccine is specifically recommended for the following:
people aged 65 and over; people with a chronic illness such as chronic heart and lung disease, those with renal failure and people with diabetes; nursing home residents; people whose immune system is suppressed, and healthcare workers.